Coronation Events in the village, from Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272

St Mary’s Church, Launton Coronation Celebration Event 7 and 8 May 2023

We had an amazing weekend of events and I hope everyone had a wonderful Coronation weekend. It was rewarding to mark this historic occasion with an event in the Church.

Thank you to all of our entrants who really made the Exhibition marvellous with such a variety of exhibits. We had a mini coach and horses with a nature scene, a bird box with a very happy king and queen, trees with lights and animals, a rugby scene and a wonderful framed item and board telling us all about Swan Upping. These are just a few examples, but we need to say thank you to everyone who entered. We also had about 160 trees from the children of Launton Primary School, and it was lovely to see the children come into Church and hunt for “their tree.” Enjoy the pictures of some exhibits with this article.

Our Coronation Celebration Service was attended by about seventy adults and children, and we sang several hymns including Jerusalem and All Things Bright and Beautiful as well as a Ugandan song.The children made flags and processed around the church wearing crowns. Several prayers for King Charles III and the Royal Family were read and we ended the service singing the National Anthem.

Thank you too if you visited the Church over the weekend to see the Exhibition. We made a lot of cups of tea and most of the cakes went! It was lovely to see you all and it proved a wonderful community event. Lastly, and very importantly, thank you to all who helped organise the celebrations and made the event happen, it was a real team effort.

A coach and horses, and a panorama of nature and bio-diversity

Ben Smith

Two sisters imagine a pot of bright flowers - in fabric

Matt Hill

The Lego castle and a portrait of new new King

Matt Hill

A close up detail of the Lego castle

Ben Smith

One of the message trees - to reflect King Charles' interest in nature and the environment

Ben Smith

Another display, demonstrating interest in nature, the environment and farming practice, and a copy of the original 1953 Coronation Cookbook.

Ben Smith

Swan Upping from a Launton resident

Matt Hill

Some of the over 130 trees from the children of Launton Primary School

Matt Hill

More Trees from the children of the village school

Matt Hill

The Coronation Street Party in Sycamore Road

One of the street parties in Launton for the Coronation

Matt Hill and family

Pictured above are, from left, Mary Brydon (who made the cake), Rosie, Nora, and Janet Ray - the founder of Bicester Food Bank in 2006 who received the British Empire Medal and attended King Charles’ first garden party at Buckingham Palace. Janet used to live in Launton and maintains her links with the village. Below are two general views of people gathered under cover in Sycamore Road. The front cover of this issue features the Coronation Cake that is being cut in the photo above.